They will correct me if I’m wrong but I think most of the people making the most sincere anti-Catholic noises on this thread more likely trace their religious roots to Charles Fox Parham than John Calvin, though they share many similarities.
I spent Thanksgiving with the AG side of my family. During my visit many of their friends and fellow parishioners came by to visit as well. The conversation frequently drifted toward religion since that was what they had most in common. I was a little surprised to hear how much “Maryolitry” and conspiracies revolving around the Catholic Church figured in to their opinions. (Did you know that the Catholic Church is hoarding half the world gold? :-)
It may just be the threads I’m reading but it seems to me that we are seeing more “anti-Name-That-Denomination” threads here. Most are directed at Catholics but a growing number express a dislike and a distortion of LDS beliefs as well. Sadly, I think I’ll add religion to flying saucers and pit bulls as topics I will from now on ignore.
I am so sorry to hear of your unpleasant Thanksgiving experience. That is not what it is supposed to be all about.
Funny, the ones who rail about “maryolitry” will often be the first to demand the right to erect a Creche Scene in the Public Square at Christmas Time.
I LOVE Nativity scenes, and miss seeing them all over town, but I think I dislike hypocrisy more.
The Body of Christ suffers when folks do stuff like what they did to you.
One of the things that God HATES (according to Proverbs 6) is someone who spreads discord amongst the brethren.
That may be true to some extent but I do not underestimate those who have drawn conclusions concerning the catholic faith thru examining catholic beliefs and dogma along side of scripture, which according to Christ Jesus is the final authority over any of mans opinions...including those you mentioned.
Further many of these threads are battling for truth and opposing that which isn't. Anytime these two meet you can be assured their will be hightned posts and passions about ones beliefs.....more importantly for truth to prevail.
Jesus himself went up against the religious teachers of His time as did the apostles....we are called to stand for the truth....of which the enemy of mens souls surely distorts in order to draw people away from the truth which is in Christ.
There are other..."softer" threads where one can share the faith..we all have the freedom to leave any thread if it gets too hot for our taste. However I have found remaining can and does teach us what we are indeed up against in the real world and these posters are not only standing for the truth but are also showing us deceptions and tactics used by He who opposes Gods truth...in action and up close..and yes even personal.